Supplementary feed in scientific fish farming is very crucial for sustainable production. In this backdrop, ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI) developed a product “CIFRI CAGEGROW”, a floating fish feed. To popularize the feed among tribal fish farmers of Northeast region, ICAR-CIFRI, Regional Centre Guwahati in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries (DoF), Govt. of Meghalaya organized an “Awareness-cum-input distribution programme” under TSP programme of the Institute in the Training hall, Office of the Superintendent of Fisheries, Ri-Bhoi District, Meghalaya on 10.01.2025. The Ri-Bhoi is an aspirational district of Meghalaya and the programme is expected to benefit the under privileged fish farmers of the district. The programme was organized under the overall guidance of Dr. B. K. Das, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore; Mrs. A. L. Mawlong, MCS, Director of Fisheries, Govt. of Meghalaya; Dr. S. K. Majhi, Head, ICAR-CIFRI RC, Guwahati; Mrs. Meda A. Khongjiliw, Superintendent of Fisheries, Ri-Bhoi District, Meghalaya. It was coordinated by Dr. Pronob Das, Senior Scientist (Organizing Secretary), Dr. S. C. S. Das (Co-organizing Secretary) and Mr. S. Dungdung, Technical (Member). Shri E. Laloo, Assistant Director of Fisheries, Govt. of Meghalaya, Shillong; Shri Danny R. Nongshli, Fishery Demonstrator, Ri-Bhoi district; Shri C. Nongru, Programme Manager, Ri-Bhoi district; Shri G. Khyrein, Fishery Supervisor, Ri-Bhoi district were remain present in the program. The programme was attended by 70 participants (22 female) including fish farmers, officials, Scientist, and media personnel.
During inaugural session, Shri Danny R. Nongshli welcomed the participants and dignitaries for the day-long programme. Dr. Pronob Das explained the purpose of the programme. He also highlighted the research and extension activities carried out by the Institute for development of fisheries in Northeast region with special emphasis in Meghalaya. Dr. S.C.S Das spoke about the importance of fish feed in successful scientific fish culture in the programme, and gave emphasis on quality seed and feed. Shri E. Laloo, in his address gave emphasis on importance of collaborative work of different stakeholders for development of fisheries in the aspirational district as well as in the other districts of the state. He also thanked ICAR-CIFRI for providing their continuous technical and input support for development of fisheries in the state. Progressive fish farmers thanked both the organization for conducting such a unique programme for benefit of the farmers of the district. They requested ICAR-CIFRI for more such programmes in future. Shri C. Nongru stated that CIFRI CAGEGROW feed previously distributed by ICAR-CIFRI in different parts of the states giving encouraging results to the fish farmers. Inaugural session ended with formal vote of thanks.
During technical discussion, Dr. P. Das explained about different products and technologies developed by the Institute for benefits of farmers of the mid-altitude region. He also briefed about scientific merits of CIFRI CAGEGROW floating feed. Dr. S. C. S. Das briefly explained about fish farming techniques for fish production enhancement in a sustainable manner. Shri Danny R. Nongshli briefed about different government schemes for fisheries and aquaculture in Meghalaya.
During the interactive Session, Scientists and officials addressed the queries raised by the farmers on different aspect of hill aquaculture and open water fisheries. They urged the participants to adopt sustainable farming practices for their livelihood. On the occasion, a total of 5000kg CIFRI CAGEGROW floating feed was distributed among 50 tribal fish farmers’ families of Ri-Bhoi district, Meghalaya.
